Daily News

Survey: Business knowledge valued in accountants

May 06 2013

Beyond traditional accounting skills, general business knowledge is the skill most valued by CFOs, according to a survey by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Information technology expertise ranked second.

CFOs were asked, “When hiring finance and accounting professionals, which one of the following attributes or areas of expertise is most valued, in addition to traditional accounting knowledge?” Responses include:

General business knowledge: 33 percent

Information technology: 25 percent

Communication skills: 14 percent

Leadership abilities: 13 percent

Customer service orientation: 13 percent

Don't know/no answer: 1 percent

The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on more than 2,100 telephone interviews with CFOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees in more than 20 of the largest U.S. markets.

Staffing Industry Analysts is the global advisor on contingent work. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company's proprietary research, award-winning content, data, support tools, publications, and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing.